Start with the artist, not a package.
You do not need to have your Japan tour fully planned before you contact us. We start by looking at the music, the people involved, what you want to achieve in Japan, and whether the project makes practical and financial sense. From there, we work out what kind of support would actually be useful.
From first enquiry to a workable Japan project.
The route is deliberately simple. We begin with the artist and gradually add only the pieces the project needs.
We look at the project before deciding what the project needs.
We read what you send us and look at the music, proposed dates, travelling line-up, existing contacts in Japan and what you want the project to achieve.
If there appears to be a realistic project to explore, we suggest a sensible next step. That might be deeper planning, venue research, Japan-side promotion, local collaboration, immigration coordination or a combination of those things.
If the idea does not yet add up, we will say so. Sometimes the useful next step is to change the timing, reduce the travelling party, develop the audience first or rethink the shape of the project.
The same answer will not work for every artist.
A solo performer, a touring band and an artist interested in education or collaboration may all need very different versions of Japan.
The music & audience
Genre, current audience, profile and how the artist is likely to connect with listeners in Japan all affect which opportunities make sense.
The travelling line-up
Flights and domestic travel multiply quickly. Sometimes the regular band is essential; sometimes a smaller party or Japanese musicians create a stronger project.
Dates & routing
Availability, geography, suitable venues and travel time need to work together rather than becoming a collection of unrelated bookings.
The purpose of the trip
Income, audience development, festivals, collaboration, education and future opportunities can lead to very different touring strategies.
Use the right professional for the work that requires one.
Some parts of a Japan project require specialist professional work. Immigration applications, for example, are handled by the appropriate qualified professional rather than by Gigging in Japan.
Our role is to help make sure the wider touring project is properly structured around that work: who is travelling, what they will do, where they will perform, what documentation is required and how the timing fits together.
The artist remains the client.
We do not take commission from venues, hotels, travel companies or the professionals we recommend. That keeps the advice pointed in one direction: towards what makes sense for the artist and the project.
The scope of any paid work is agreed with you before it begins. You decide whether the next step is worth taking.
Tell us what you have in mind.
Approximate dates are fine. The line-up can still be flexible. You may already have contacts in Japan or you may be starting from zero. Give us enough to understand the project and we can start there.